In this part of our travels to Sydney, we ventured beyond iconic highlights such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. We explored fascinating places like the Blue Mountains, Taronga Zoo, Watson Bay, Bondi Beach, and other eclectic Sydney neighborhoods. If you’re thinking about traveling to Sydney, you’ll want to know more about How to Explore the Soul of Sydney – Beyond the Icons.
For more on Sydney, please check out: “Why Sydney is the Ultimate Travel Destination.”
China Town
La Niña had not quite loosened its grip on Sydney. However, the weekend looked more promising after a very rainy week.
Friday night, we went down to the harbor and hung out for a few hours. On our way back, we walked through Chinatown, where hundreds of people had gathered in the narrow streets along Dixon. The scent of soy, ginger, and freshly cooked meat was lingering in the air. Sizzling food stalls displayed an intriguing mix of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, and Vietnamese food. We were captivated by the atmosphere and sampled a few flavorful dishes on our way through the festive crowds.
Sizzling food stalls in China Town
We went back to Chinatown one more time, where we had dinner in a timeworn restaurant tucked between faded red lanterns. An older Chinese woman was efficiently clearing tables while taking orders and shouting something in Chinese into the kitchen. As she brought out two steaming hot bowls of soup, she nodded firmly and said, “Eat, hot.” I
Visit Chinatown if you want to experience something that feels authentic and has plenty of flavor and history.
The Blue Mountains
A Thrill Ride
Saturday, we visited the Blue Mountains. We had rented a car, and the drive there was a very intense experience since Australians drive on the left side. Every fiber of my body told me that just wasn’t right.
For four hours out and back, I tried to navigate the car from the passenger seat. My body was leaning towards the opposite side of the car, making spontaneous little outbursts. Whether or not that kept Allan from hitting something, I’m not sure, but it definitely drove him crazy.
View of Jamison Valley in Blue Mountains
Three Sisters Walk
The Blue Mountains is an incredible World Heritage-listed area centered around impressive sandstone formations and charming mountain towns. With more than 87 miles of trails of various lengths and levels, there is something for everybody.
We started at Eco Point in Katoomba, one of the most popular lookouts in the Blue Mountains. From here, we followed the short and family-friendly Three Sisters Walk. The panoramic views of three towering rock formations rising above Jamerson Valley – the iconic Three Sisters – were incredible. An ancient Aboriginal legend tells the tale of the three sisters who were turned into stone.
View of the Three Sisters rock formation
The panoramic views of the open heathland of the Jamison Valley followed us along our hike. Mount Solitary towered across the valley, and from 100 meters above, we witnessed one of the most famous waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, Wentworth Falls.
View of the Wentworth Falls in Blue Mountains
Prince Henry Cliff Walk
The trail took us down 998 stairs to reach the Giant Stairway, a staircase made of stone and steel that connects to the first sister. From here, we continued along the rugged cliffs of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The terrain varied throughout the trail, surrounding us with towering gum trees of the eucalyptus forests and lush rainforests. Everywhere, rainwater seeped through the sandstone, creating “hanging swamps”, one of the fascinating natural phenomena of the Blue Mountains.
Pied Currawong and the Giant Stairway
We had bought sandwiches, and at a peaceful spot, we had a picnic. A curious Pied Currawong joined us. This big black crow-like bird with a white undertail was fascinating to watch as it followed us with its intense yellow eyes.
The first sister of the Three Sisters rock formation
Back at Eco Point Lookout, we followed the Prince Henry Cliff Walk in the opposite direction towards Katoomba Falls and Scenic World. From the Katoomba Falls Lookout, we could see the upper cascades of the Katoomba Falls. Through wooden walkways and lots of steps, we went down to the lower cascades, nestled in the rainforest below. The combination of water, cliffs, and rainforests created a serene and mystical place.
The lower cascades of the Katoomba Falls
Scenic WOrld
Since we only had one day, we prioritized hiking. However, Science World looked like a cool experience. It offers three different options:
- Scenic Railway: The steepest passenger railway in the world, going through a cliffside tunnel into the Jamison Valley.
- Scenic Skyway: The largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, offering panoramic views of the Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and the Jamison Valley.
- The Scenic Cableway: The steepest cable car system in the southern hemisphere, descending into the Jamison Valley.
The Scenic Skyway and panoramic views of the Jamison Valley
Katoomba
On our way back to Sydney, we made a stop in the town of Katoomba. A charming historic town that has maintained its vibe from the 1920s and 1930s through a creative culture and natural beauty. Besides cozy coffee shops, boutiques, secondhand stores, and fine dining, we found something even more interesting – at least in my opinion. By coincidence, we stumbled upon Katoomba’s Beverly Place, a large area with vibrant street art. As we explored the area, flocks of screeching, white sulphur-crested cockatoos were rummaging above us.
Vintage boutique in the town of Katoomba
What I love most about street art is the way it reflects people and the culture of a certain area. It adds a broader dimension to its history. Many of the murals in Katoomba celebrate the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains and the region’s Aboriginal heritage. Some are whimsical, whereas others address more serious issues, such as climate change, identity, and inclusivity.
Large mural of Aboriginal girl at Katoomba’s Beverly Place
Taronga ZOO
Taronga Zoo is just a short scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay in Sydney Harbour, and it’s really worth a visit.
The views from Taronga Zoo across the bay are amazing, as everywhere in Sydney, but animals add a fun dimension to the scenery. Besides a diverse selection of animals, the zoo focuses on conservation and education. The zookeepers have daily Shows and Keeper Talks where you can get closer to the animals and learn more about them and their habitats.
Giraffe habitat with a view of Sydney
Taronga Zoo has more than 4000 animals and 350 species from all over the world. We truly enjoyed how the enclosures blended beautifully with the natural surroundings and created realistic habitats for the animals, such as open savannas, lush rainforests, and aquatic settings.
Australian Natives and More
We loved watching the Australian natives like kangaroos and koalas. The zoo features Western Grey, Eastern Grey, Red, and Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroos. Getting up close and personal with jumping kangaroos was really something different. The cuteness index of the koalas was above the scale; tired little creatures sleeping in their eucalyptus trees.
Allan with two Grey Kangaroos
Koala sleeping in a tree
Most of the animals seemed quite social in the cool Autumn air. Maybe, except for an exhausting-looking lion couple. They recently had a litter of three playful cubs, which was a lot of fun to watch. The giraffe’s mini savannah, probably one of the best locations in the park, suited these majestic animals well. A beautiful tiger, from the shadow of an elevated structure, staring intensely with its yellow eyes. A large Komodo Dragon suddenly appeared from under the rocks, which was quite an unusual sight.
Komodo Dragon and Tiger at the Taronga Zoo
Watson BAy
At the southern head of Sydney Harbour, another scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay, is one of Sydney’s oldest fishing villages, Watson Bay. The place feels like its own little island and is a true gem.
Dramatic cliffside views at Watson Bay
We followed the Gap Bluff Walking Track and admired the dramatic cliffside views and historic landmarks along the way. It’s a short and accessible trail on the east side of Watson Bay with sweeping views of the Tasman Sea.
Views of Sydney from tiny beach at Watson Bay
At the north end, we reached Hornby Lighthouse, a charming red-and-white striped lighthouse marking the entrance to Sydney Harbor. We passed several colonial-era cottages along the way. These cottages are a testament to the history of Watsons Bay, as one of the country’s earliest fishing villages and military outposts.
Hornby Lighthouse at Watson Bay
Before taking the ferry back, we sipped a glass of ice-cold white wine at Doyle’s Garden Bar, along with a large portion of fresh fish and chips.
White wine, fish & chips overlooking the bay at Doyle’s Garden Bar
Sydney Neighborhoods
Darlinghurst
Most days, when it wasn’t raining, I ventured out into the different parts of the city. From Darlinghurst, where we stayed, I walked along Liverpool Street through the LGBTQIA+ friendly neighborhood. This area has plenty of bars and clubs, making it lively at night. During the day, it’s a peaceful place with quaint little shops, boutique cafes, and artisan bakeries where a scent of freshly brewed coffee, sweet pastries, and morning dew fills the air.
The Darlinghurst neighborhood
Paddington
Further out on Oxford Street is the Paddington neighborhood. Paddington is a little more stylish and historic, with galleries, designer boutiques, bookstores, and beautiful Victorian terrace architecture. The intricate iron-cast balconies and lush gardens create a similar romantic and historic feel as New Orleans.
The stylish and historic Paddington neighborhood
Paddington has several hidden green spaces, but Paddington Reservoir Gardens stands out. Originally built as a water reservoir, the ruins have been transformed into a peaceful retreat with a sunken garden, ponds, quiet pathways, and hanging greenery.
Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Paddington Markets is another popular point of interest. This market first opened in 1973 and is a must-visit for anyone looking for unique handmade crafts from local artists. This is the place to get a taste of Paddington’s creative spirit.
Surry Hills
Surry Hills is another unique neighborhood with its own creative flair. The area has a cool mix of cafes, eclectic bars, vintage stores, and independent boutiques. Especially Crown Street has a reputation for being quite trendy. It’s known to be a hotspot for foodies, with a variety of eateries ranging from gourmet restaurants to quirky food trucks. Don’t miss the Bourke Street Bakery – the one with a mural of a giant baker on the side.
Bourke Street Bakery mural
Newtown
One day, I took the train to Newtown. This Sydney suburb is a melting pot of cultures and is famous for its alternative scene. The main street, King Street, has lots of vegan restaurants, second-hand shops, street art, and live music venues.
The Newtown neighborhood
Large mural near Camperdown Park in Newtown
I was hunting for murals in Newtown when I found Camperdown Cemetery hidden behind a weathered sandstone wall. Old and cracked gravestones, covered in moss and lichen, peeked out from the deep shadows of massive fig trees hovering above the ground. Roots from the figs pushed up against the graves along creeping ivy and wild grass. At the heart of the cemetery was St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, like a dramatic centerpiece. As I walked into this hauntingly beautiful burial ground, I felt like stepping into a forgotten corner of the past.
Camperdown Cemetery in Newtown
Bondi Beach
Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi Beach, is a must-visit. It’s located just 4 miles from the city center, and as an integrated part of the city, it creates an energized and laid-back lifestyle. In Sydney, it’s not unusual for people to go directly from a morning surf to a city meeting. Bondi Beach has a beautiful stretch of golden sand, stunning coastal views, and a vibrant surf culture.
Large “Hi from Bondi Beach” mural
We visited Bondi around sunset and would have loved to explore more. However, we did get a sense of the natural beauty and beachy vibe. We had dinner at Mojo’s Tapas Bar, a rustic place with delicious tapas and a warm and lively atmosphere. Bondi is packed with trendy cafés, health-conscious restaurants, and beachfront bars – something for everybody.
With more time and better weather, we would have done the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, one of Sydney’s most scenic walks. It’s a 3.7-mile coastal trail that takes you along breathtaking cliffside views, rock pools, and secluded beaches. Next time!
Shopping
Before leaving Sydney, we bought a few presents for our kids – UGG boots, among others. We found a great mix of luxury shops, local boutiques, and department stores in the Central Business District (CBD).
Pitt Street Mall is Sydney’s busiest shopping strip. Right next to it, Westfield Sydney offers five levels of shopping, including high-end designer boutiques and flagship stores.
Sydney’s most iconic shopping destination – The Queen Elizabeth Building
The Queen Elizabeth Building is Sydney’s most iconic shopping destination and perhaps the most beautiful place I have (n)ever shopped. Even if we didn’t buy anything from one of the many luxurious boutiques, we loved exploring this stunning 19th-century shopping arcade. Its intricate stained-glass windows, grand central dome, and two elaborate mechanical clocks make the Queen Elizabeth Building worth a visit or two.
Inside the Queen Elizabeth Building
Read More
Get the full description of iconic highlights such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in “Why Sydney is the Ultimate Travel Destination.”
Read more about our different travel destinations across the US and beyond in the Travel Journal. Or more on navigating midlife along the way in the Midlife Journal.
In Midlife Matters, you’ll find insights on: How to Connect With Your True Values by performing a Life Audit, or How to Avoid Brain Fog and Decision Fatigue by training your brain.